Some call them remakes, others call them reboots, but for Director X, his latest spin on “Superfly,” the 70s Blaxploitation film is simply called a remix.

This millennial version of a successful narcotics dealer who decides to quit the business puts a brilliant and stylish spin on the 1972 movie directed by Gordon Parks Jr. and made famous by the legendary soundtrack by Curtis Mayfield.

In his remix, X, who is known for his music videos, trades the original location of New York for Atlanta, throws in some visually stunning scenery, sprinkles in an eclectic sound and adds an exceeding charismatic cast, all while paying homage to the movie many consider a classic in black film history.

With an excellent cast, headed by Trevor Jackson, who plays Youngblood Priest, a stylishly devilish drug dealer in control of his own destiny, the film stars Lex Scott Davis and Andrea Londo as his girlfriends, Michael Kenneth Williams as his dealer and Jason Mitchell (“Straight Outta Compton,” “Mudbound”), who rounds off the main as his best friend Eddie and provides the film’s comic relief.

“Eddie is the kind of guy that you just hate to love, but you can’t help but love him,” says Mitchell, who like several of the cast members revisited the original film once they signed on to their respective roles. “I am so serious about my craft and had to find the essence of what Eddie was talking about for he couldn’t understand why Priest wanted to quit the business after making four million dollars in two months.”

The film really kicks off after Priest gets into an altercation with a member of the Sno Patrol, a competitor in the drug game, outside of a nightclub. An innocent bystander is shot and he decides it may be time to exit the drug trade and ambitiously crafts an intricate plot to get out of the business with one last big score. As he puts his exit strategy into place, he gets pulled back into the business facing further obstacles as he becomes entangled with the Sno Patrol, the Mexican drug kingpin Adalberto Gonzalez (Esai Morales), and a pair of wickedly crooked cops.

Taking its cue from the original, the film maintains that authentic look, keeping some original scenes intact as it takes you from their luxury upscale pads, crowded clubs to downtowns tenements. There are spectacular cars and car chases, carefully choreographed fight sequences, solid cinematography, furs, flashy outfits and sophisticated, fashion-forward pieces from the likes of Phillip Plein, AllSaints, and Burberry.

“Having a style with the camera is what X is really known for,” says Mitchell. “He has created so many dope music videos and his mind is constantly running and it was good to be able to work with somebody who wasn’t intimated by the situation around him.”

Fans of the original will be delighted with X’s spin as the director clearly honors the iconic title. Not only has he retained key characters, he’s also maintained the essence of the story and sprinkled in some millennial swagger.

Kevin Garnett’s disdain for the Minnesota Timberwolves was so apparent in the years after he was traded to the Celtics that his tenure with the team that drafted him out of high school was an off-limits subject. He resisted talking about those years during which he emerged as the face of a franchise that enjoyed little success.

He was the Timberwolves. He was brother in-law to Jimmy Jam of the Minnesota-based R&B band The Time. And then he asked owner Glen Taylor for an extension in 2007 that would have ensured he remain in Minnesota throughout his career. Taylor instructed general manager Kevin McHale to trade Garnett.

And well, we know what happened next.

So the return of Garnett to Minnesota is beyond improbable and one of the few feel-good stories in a league filled with players demanding trades to big-market teams and/or more successful franchises. Garnett was never comfortable in Brooklyn. He tried, but when the Nets showed no interest in re-signing close buddy Paul Pierce, it became a lonely place.

The Timberwolves have been insignificant since Garnett left, having attempted to rebuild four times. Many of their lottery picks, such as Wesley Johnson, Jonny Flynn, and Derrick Williams, were wasted.

Kevin Garnett is the most successful player in Minnesota Timberwolves history — and it’s not even close. A look at some of the franchise categories he leads, along with the next-closest players:

They needed Garnett. They needed fan support. They needed to invigorate a region that has mostly considered the Timberwolves little more than a youthful team that will eventually lose a game. Their acquisition of Garnett just before the NBA trade deadline a week and a half ago was more for image and perception — more for the off-court effect of Garnett’s presence than his contributions on the court.

Minnesota is headed for another draft lottery. But the development of Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine, Ricky Rubio, Shabazz Muhammad, and even Anthony Bennett could be enhanced by even a short time playing with Garnett.

“I will say it does feel like full circle,” he said. “But coming back I feel like I have not only something to give but I’m experienced. I’ve seen different organizations on how they do things. Hopefully one day in the near future, I don’t know — the next five, 10 years — I’m into management, I’m into ownership, and I want to experience some of those same things if not bring those same things to whatever franchise I’m dealing with. If I was going to waive my no-trade [clause] it was going to be just for this. It wasn’t going to be . . . I know you heard the talks of me and Doc [Rivers] getting back together, I had no added incentives to do that.

“I know these are the declining days of my playing days but I think I have so much more to bring. This is the perfect situation, this is full circle right here.”

The Target Center was sold out for his return game last Wednesday against Washington, with an injured Pierce sitting on the visitors’ bench screaming jokes during the Timberwolves’ win. Acquiring Garnett was the right move for GM and coach FlipSaunders. Garnett has so much to offer. During his time with the Celtics, he worked with several of the team’s younger big men, with one condition — they had to approach him. If you felt as if you had this NBA thing all figured out, Garnett had no need for you. But if you wanted help, Garnett would stay after practice and mentor.

“I’ll be honest, this is one of the reasons I even looked at this situation. This is one of the most talented groups on this team since the Timberwolves were assembled,” Garnett said. “The talent on here is endless — the potential obviously is the question, what it can be — but I feel they have the tools to be whatever they want to be for the future. I want to help with that transition.

“Beautiful roster, beautiful guys. Seeing the talent on here is refreshing, because they’re guys who will listen, who will work hard. The veteran is kind of a lost art in the league right now, teams are going younger. The veteran who’s been in the league a long time is phasing out, but the only way these young guys get better is through some type of leadership, some type of guidance, and I’m hoping to bring that with this roster. It’s a very promising roster.”

What we feared as fans of the game was that Garnett would end his career as a shell of himself in Brooklyn, playing for a team where he had no roots, chasing the final playoff spot, scratching, fighting, and trash-talking younger and more talented players.

That is a ghastly image. This image of KG in the Timberwolves’ green and black, wearing the No. 21 jersey that the organization did not allow anyone to wear in his absence, and talking with Wiggins, LaVine, and Muhammad on the bench, makes us feel more heartened about a legend reaching the end of the line.

Thaddeus Young was all that was required to bring Garnett home — another sparkling deal by Saunders. He has also brought Wiggins to Minnesota via trade with Cleveland, and drafted LaVine. This latest Minnesota rebuild may finally reap benefits. The organization wanted Garnett to be a part of it.

The Timberwolves showed they couldn’t do much without him.

“I wasn’t really happy in how I left here. My goal since I’ve been in the league was to win a championship, and I wanted it to be here in the Twin Cities,” Garnett said. “I’ve always wanted that. I wanted to be a part of that the first time this franchise went over the hump, and I got a taste of that in the Western Conference [finals]. I’ve been thirsty ever since. Once you get that taste, you never lose that. To come, obviously, from playing in Boston and come back full circle back home now.

“I have experience and I have things that I can speak on. It’s perfect. This is a fairy tale, this is a perfect ending to it. This is how you want to do it. A lot of guys that want to come back to the origins don’t have the option to do it. I’m fortunate to do just that.”

Minneapolis/St. Paul – In appreciation of Timberwolves fans’ overwhelming reception to his return to Minnesota, Kevin Garnett has purchased 1,000 tickets to Monday night’s game vs. the Los Angeles Clippers at Target Center. Beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, the first 500 fans to claim the tickets on www.timberwolves.com/kg will receive a pair of tickets, courtesy of Garnett.

“The response and support I’ve received from Wolves fans since my return to Minnesota has been nothing short of amazing. It’s been unbelievable,” said Garnett. “As a gesture of thanks, I would like to treat some fans to Monday night’s game against the Clippers. Love you all, and thanks for the love. Enjoy the game on me.”

Fans are encouraged to visit www.timberwolves.com/kg, as the tickets are available only through this link. Fans can pick up their tickets outside the Timberwolves executive offices on the Skyway Level of Target Center between 4-6 p.m. on Monday

CHARLESTON, S.C.—Boniek García played a role in all three Houston Dynamo goals with two assists and a penalty drawn against an Orlando City SC team that ended the match with nine men to close out the 2015 preseason.

It is the third Carolina Challenge Cup title for the Dynamo after the club hoisted the trophy in 2006 and 2007. Houston (6 points) eclipsed New York City FC (4 points), Charleston (4 points) and Orlando City SC (2 points) to win the tournament.

Head coach Owen Coyle made two changes to the lineup after Wednesday’s 2-1 win against New York City FC, with David Horst and Leonel Miranda in the team in place of Raul Rodriguez and Alex Lopez.

Garcia opened the scoring in the 27th minute, making a spectacular run from midfield and darting around three defenders and goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts before sliding a deft pass to Will Bruin inside the penalty area for an easy tap in and 1-0 advantage.

Garcia continued to torment Orlando City three minutes later, sneaking in behind the defense to run onto a long ball from Kofi Sarkodie and charge into the penalty area before he was tackled from behind by Aurelien Collin. The Dynamo earned a penalty kick and Collin was issue a red card.

Brad Davis took the penalty and drove his shot into the bottom corner opposite Ricketts’ dive for his second goal in as many games and a 2-0 lead.

With Orlando City reduced to 10 players following Collin’s ejection, Garcia’s impressive performance continued a minute before halftime. The Honduras international slid and stripped Kaka in midfield and then drove forward before feeding Leonel Miranda on the right side of the box. The Argentine calmly feigned a shot with his right foot and pulled the ball back to his left as Ricketts went to ground. Finally, Miranda curled a shot into the far side of the net for his second preseason goal and a three-goal lead.

Houston continued to push after halftime, with DaMarcus Beasley threading a pass down the line for substitute Rob Lovejoy. The rookie crossed for Bruin, and his half volley was blocked.

Orlando City’s chances dwindled further as midfielder Carlos Rivas was issued a red card a minute after entering the game when his arm struck Luis Garrido’s face.

The Dynamo played the remainder of the game with a two-man advantage and finished the game in confortable fashion.

After the win, Houston had to await the result of the second game of the night. New York City FC defeated the Charleston Battery, 3-0, in the nightcap, confirming the Dynamo as champions of the 12th annual preseason tournament.

The Dynamo open the 2015 season on Saturday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m. against Columbus Crew SC at BBVA Compass Stadium. Tickets are available here or by calling 713-276-GOAL.

A goal in each half was enough to see Chelsea secure the first major trophy of the season after beating Tottenham 2-0 in the Capital One Cup final at Wembley.

Blues captain John Terry gave his side a first-half lead when Willian’s free-kick dropped loose inside the box and he fired home via a deflection.

Tottenham had already hit the crossbar through Christian Eriksen, but Chelsea doubled their lead just after the break when Diego Costa’s shot was turned in by the leg of Kyle Walker.

Spurs pushed hard to find a way back in late on but Chelsea closed out the match to gain revenge for the 2008 final defeat to their London rivals and clinch a first trophy for manager Jose Mourinho since his return to Stamford Bridge.

With Nemanja Matic suspended, Mourinho made a surprising team selection that included Gary Cahill – one of four changes – alongside John Terry in defence, with Kurt Zouma moving into midfield.

However, it appeared to put the Blues out of sorts in the opening half and Tottenham looked capable of breaking the deadlock.

Spurs, complete with seven changes to the side knocked out of the Europa League by Fiorentina on Thursday, had their best chance after 10 minutes when Harry Kane’s trickery won a free-kick in a dangerous area and Eriksen rattled the woodwork from the set piece.

Both Nacer Chadli and Ryan Mason should have done better with wayward attempts off-target, and Eriksen also forced Petr Cech to save at a tight angle, but Terry – the seasoned finalist – put his side ahead on 45 minutes.

A mistake by Chadli, giving away a needless free-kick on the right-hand side, allowed Willian to swing in a dangerous set-piece that dropped for Terry to poke home beyond Hugo Lloris.

Chelsea stepped up their intensity in the second half and threatened early after the break when Cesc Fabregas forced Lloris to parry with a skillful bicycle kick inside the box.

And it was Fabregas who set up his side’s second, his incisive pass finding the run of Costa, and the Spaniard’s effort beat Lloris inside his near post after a deflection off Walker.

Chelsea looked impenetrable at the back, with Terry especially looking back to his brilliant best.

Eden Hazard almost made it three with a superb curler from the edge of the box but, with Lloris beaten, the ball flew just past the post.

Spurs threatened through Kane and substitutes Mousa Dembele and Erik Lamela late on, but it was not enough to prevent Mourinho becoming the most successful foreign manager in Capital One Cup history – clinching his third League Cup and his seventh piece of silverware in England.

The Nation’s largest student-run festival promises stellar performances from this year’s line-up acts set for the Memorial Day weekend celebration at UCLA.

Snoop Dogg will be the headliner on Jam Day, Sunday, May 25th whilst Bob Marley’s son Ky-Mani is set to headline Reggae Day on Monday, Memorial Day.

Also to perform on Jam Day are Aleo Blacc, The Internet, George Anne Muldrow, Sarah Reich’s Tap Music Project featuring Lee How and Nico Rubio. Andre Power will provide the audience with his soulful playlist throughout the day.

Memorial Day line-up includes Grammy’s first reggae winners Black Uhuru, Kevin Lyttle, Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage, Sister Carol, and Fortunate Youth.
Jamaica Gold Sound International is listed to provide the latest in Reggae Dancehall tracks during the set changes.

This originally one day Jazz Festival was started in 1986 and has now evolved into a successful two days Jazz and Reggae events that attracts thousands of Angelenos annually.

In 2007 JazzReggae Festival @ UCLA made structural changes which includes not to limit the first day to Jazz music only and as a result Jam Day was created to incorporate a wider spectrum of music that has also heavily influenced by the Jazz genre.

The same year the Festival went Green by actively taking steps to create an environmentally friendly concert atmosphere. The stage energy source was produced from bio-diesel fuel, partnered with environmentally forwarding thinking companies such as Eco Limo, printed their flyers and other promotional material on recycled paper, and included an informational booth for attendees to learn more about ways to be environmentally responsible.

The 28th annual JazzReggae Festival installment will be celebrated on Memorial Weekend, Sunday, May 24 and Monday, May 25, 2015.

]]>http://www.caribpress.com/snoop-dogg-and-ky-marley-are-headliners-for-the-27th-annual-jazzreggae-festival-2-days-event/feed/0Cruise America to Carry Oscar on his Coast-to-Coast Journeyhttp://www.caribpress.com/cruise-america-to-carry-oscar-on-his-coast-to-coast-journey/
http://www.caribpress.com/cruise-america-to-carry-oscar-on-his-coast-to-coast-journey/#commentsThu, 07 Feb 2013 03:13:17 +0000http://www.caribpress.com/?p=24473Cruise America has been named as the official Oscar carrier for the 2013 Academy Awards show.

For the first time in the history of the Academy Awards, which began in 1929, Oscar will be taking a 21-day social media publicity tour across the United States. This historical road trip will take him from New York to Hollywood, visiting several cities in-between. His royal coach will come in the form of a Cruise America recreational vehicle.

Cruise America representative, Michael Smalley said; “Cruise America feels it a privilege to be associated with a time-honored event such as the Oscars. These awards are given as a merit for distinctive achievement in the film industry, so it’s only fitting that Oscar would be treated to a ride in a top-of-the-line Cruise America RV.”

On Monday, February 4, the Oscar-carrying motorhome will depart from New York, heading west on its American cruise. While there are 11 designated cities that Oscar will be visiting, the majority of the trip’s stopping points will be determined by the Oscar fans. These impromptu visits will be selected based on their reactions and input on social media. As Oscar rolls into their towns, fans will be able to see the iconic statuette and have their picture taken with him.

They will also be able to track the journey of Oscar on Cruise America’s Facebook page.

The team of 5 that will be journeying with Oscar in the Cruise America Motorhome will be made up of two breakout comedians and a production crew.